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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSSSC 003 2014/02/18 (2012-2014) REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SERVICES DATE: February 18, 2014 RE: Comm. No. 630/Reso No. 281-14 PLACE: Council Chambers, Kona TIME: 1:46 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Human Services and Social Services,to which was referred Resolution No. 281-14 reports as follows: February 4, 2014: Resolution No. 281-14, transmitted by Housing Administrator Stephen Arnett via Communication No. 630 on January 16, 2014, authorizes the exemption of certain code requirements, pursuant to Sections 46-15 and 201H-38 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, for the West Hawai`i Senior Living in North Kona, Hawai`i covered by tax map key(3)7-5-017:005. This resolution requests exemptions from certain application fees, the grubbing permit, the use permit, certain Zoning Code requirements, and certain conditions in Ordinance 06-78, to reduce the cost of constructing 147 affordable housing units proposed by West Hawai`i Health, LLC, for the West Hawai`i Senior Living. There were no statements from the public. Karen Eoff, Chair of the Human Services and Social Services Committee, commented with regard to Communication No. 630.5 dated February 4, 2014, from Mr. Arnett requesting postponement, and asked him to come forward to speak. Mr. Arnett requested that this matter be postponed to February 18, 2014, and explained that after a meeting with department heads and the developer, all are in agreement that this resolution, as it stands, is not in the form that they would like it to be, and the list of requested exemptions (Exhibit A to the Resolution) had not been fully vetted. A motion to postpone this Resolution to February 18, 2014 was made by Zendo Kern, and seconded by Dru Kanuha. A vote was taken with all in favor, and the motion to postpone this measure to February 18, 2014 was approved. February 18, 2014: There were no statements from the public. Chair Eoff stated that Communication No. 630.6 dated February 14, 2014, was received from Housing Administrator Stephen Arnett, requesting an amendment by substitution of Resolution 281-14, with the contents of Communication No. 630.6 A motion to amend Resolution 281-14 by substitution with the contents of Communication No. 630.6, was made by Ms. Ford, and seconded by Mr. Kanuha. Ms. Eoff then opened the floor for discussion and asked Mr. Arnett to come forward. Mr. Arnett indicated that Corporation Counsel Amy Self, department heads and the developer met and all parties were in agreement. He further commented that the exemption list, (Exhibit A to the Resolution),had been fully vetted by all parties, and a unanimous decision was made to bring this Resolution forward in its current form. HSSSC Rept. No.: 3 HSSSC-3 Page 2 February 18, 2014 Deputy Director of Public Works Brandon Gonzales stated that Public Works is in agreement with the entire Resolution and Exhibit A, as drafted. Planning Director Duane Kanuha commented that all departments worked extremely hard in vetting this Resolution. Ms. Liz Heiman commented regarding the importance of a having a senior living center in Kona. She further commented as to the insight she had gained for the need of such a development during her position as Chairman of the Board for Hawai`i Health Systems, West Hawai`i Regional Board. Council Member Dru Kanuha commented that he is in complete favor of this development. Council Member Valerie Poindexter stated that she is in full support of building within our own community to give the opportunity for the elderly to stay within our community. Ms. Poindexter commented further that more independent living homes and medical facilities is what this community needs. Council Member Margaret Wille expressed her gratitude toward this development for turning"intent into action." Bruce Beard, Managing Partner for West Hawaii Health, LLC., commented that all neighbors within 500 feet of the project were notified and advised of the proposed development at a public meeting that was held, and further indicated that during that meeting, questions were answered and very positive feedback was given from the community. There was no further discussion. Chair Eoff thanked the department heads and the applicant for their collaborative effort to bring this proposal forth and requested that the vote be taken on the motion to amend by substitution. Nine council members voted in favor. Chair Eoff then requested that the vote to be taken on the main motion to approve Resolution 281-14, as amended by substitution, with the contents of Communication 630.6. Nine council members voted in favor. Your Committee on Human Services and Social Services is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 281-14, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption. wpb AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted, EOFF X FORD X COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES ILAGAN X AND SOCIAL SERVICES KANUHA X KERN X ONISHI X f -- POINDEXTER X KAREN EOFF, CHAIR YOSHIMOTO X HSSSC REPORT NO. 3 WILLE X ADOPTED: MAR 0 7 2014.